Robert “Bob” Joseph O’Keefe, 85, of Largo, passed away June 28, 2016. He was born on July 10, 1930 in Ft.Wayne, Indiana, a son of the late Eugene O’Keefe and Irene Bobay O’Keefe.
Bob served his country with the United States Army during the Korean Conflict, serving in the Army Corps of Engineers. During his time of service, he was awarded the commendation ribbon with metal pendant for distinguishing himself by meritorious achievement. Sgt. O’Keefe, as platoon sergeant, was given the mission of constructing approximately 4000 yards of road connecting two existing roads. Despite the fact that most of the construction was under enemy observation, Sgt. O’Keefe personally supervised every foot of construction. When platoon leaders were changed, Sgt. O’Keefe had to carry the load of planning as well as supervising. Through his keen judgment, aggressive initiative, and outstanding leadership, Sgt. O’Keefe accomplished his mission before the set completion date. Through this accomplishment, Sgt. O’Keefe contributed materially to the combat mission of his unit of the 7th infantry division as a whole. The meritorious achievement of Sgt. O’Keefe reflected great credit on himself and the military service.
Before entering the Army, Bob graduated from Purdue University in Ft.Wayne, Indiana as a civil engineer. He was a member of St. Jerome’s Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus. Bob was very artistic and found great enjoyment in painting and woodworking. His family remembers him as being positive and encouraging, providing guidance to all. He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather.
Along with his parents, Bob was preceded in death by his sister, Lucile Maniscalo. His survivors include his wife of 62 years, Jean O’Keefe of Largo; 7 daughters: Linda O’Keefe-Wood of Seminole, Cynthia O’Keefe of Palm Harbor, Christine Grant of South Carolina, Laurie Novak of Largo, Lisa Snyder of Dunedin, Michelle Moore and her husband Jim of Tennessee, and Julie Hildebran and her husband Bret of Ohio; 10 grandchildren: Eric Wood, Carly Wood, Bobby Grant, Jessica Grant, Eugene Novak III and his wife Regina, Kimberly Novak, Matthew Snyder, Kelsey MacFaun and her husband Todd, Jake Moore, and Jason Hildebran; 4 great-grandchildren: Eugene Novak IV, Gabriella Novak, Blayklea MacFaun, and Brynnlea MacFaun; 2 sisters: Joan Rock and her husband Ken, and Doris Bass and her husband Alden.
A memorial mass will be held Monday, July 4, 2016 at 10:00 AM at St. Jerome Catholic Church. A reception will be held at the Clubhouse of Lakeview of Largo South located at 11945 143rd St.
Burial will be held on Tuesday, July 5, 2016 at 10:45 AM at Bay Pines National Cemetery located at 10,000 Bay Pines Blvd, Bay Pines, Florida. Military rites will be rendered in honor of Bob’s memory.
The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, contributions should be made in Bob’s name to the Korean War Veterans Memorial Foundation, 10301 McKinstry Mill Road, New Windsor, MD 21776-7903. Contributions can also be made through the Foundations’s website at www.koreanwarvetsmemorial.org/donations. Their phone number is 410-775-7733.
When I read stories like these it makes me wish I had met him. I am always humbled when I see that someone fit so much into a life, Purdue, the Army, our church and he was married over 60 years. May God bless Mr. O’Keefe’s family. You have much to be proud of.
Jim Rudolph, President
Veterans Funeral Care
Hugs to the family and especially to my friend, Chris Grant. What an amazing tribute to a life well lived.
I believe among his proudest accomplishments was his incredible family. Raising 7 wonderful, caring women is no easy task, but one that he and Jean did beautifully. My heart goes out to you all, with a special hug to Linda.
We always suspected our big-hearted uncle was a hero. We already knew he was a great father to our seven cousins and a person who simply loved life. But now we know he was a hero too.
We salute you, Uncle Bob. And we will miss you – your niece, Peggy
Jean, I was so sorry to read of Bob’s passing. I have thought of you both so many times and the great times we shared at mugs-jugs. My deepest condolences to and your family, know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.